A groundbreaking new UK-wide study has been launched to enable brain cancer patients to have their genome sequenced and switch between treatments if need be.
A groundbreaking new study has been launched to enable brain cancer patients to have their genome sequenced and switch between treatments if need be. The Institute for Cancer Research reports that the study, known as the ‘next-Generation aGile Genomically Guided Glioma platform trial’, also known as the 5G platform trial, is taking place across the UK.
The trial is being funded by Cancer Research UK and the Minderoo Foundation, an Australian charity dedicated to philanthropic causes. The participants in the trial are all living with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive and fast-growing form of brain tumour.
They will have access to targeted treatments, and the treatment plans can be rapidly adapted during the trial if there are signs that one particular option is not effective.
Glioblastomas are difficult to treat with conventional surgery or radiotherapy, because the tumours do not have clearly defined edges. This makes it almost impossible to remove the whole tumour with physical neurosurgery.
In some cases, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery called Gamma Knife surgery may be used to target the cancer cells. This involves using an external machine to direct precisely targeted gamma rays at the tumour from multiple angles.
The accuracy of the machine and the multiple angles mean that high doses of radiation can be used with minimal risk to the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This means that the patient may only need one session of treatment, whereas other forms of radiosurgery may require multiple sessions over several weeks.
However, in the case of glioblastoma, the cancer cells can unfortunately rapidly grow back. There have been several clinical trials to develop new and more effective treatments for this type of brain tumour over the past 20 years, but unfortunately few significant breakthroughs have been made.
Dr Juanita Lopez, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Group Leader in Early Phase Drug Development at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We have seen progress made in better treating many types of cancer in recent decades, but less so in brain cancers like glioblastoma. The 5G platform trial presents a unique opportunity to work in new and exciting ways to find better treatment options for this patient population.”
Dr Richard Mair, Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and co-lead of the Brain Cancer Virtual Institute at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, said: “Brain cancers like glioblastoma are notoriously difficult to treat. I am excited to co-lead this world-first trial designed with this cancer type in mind.
“The use of whole genome sequencing for every patient on the trial performed in ‘real time’ enables us to be both agile and precise in our drug targeting. We hope that this approach will help patients with this cancer of unmet need.”
Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell said: “Brain tumours are notoriously hard to treat because we still don’t know enough about the biology of the disease, and current treatments are not effective enough.
“This new trial offers something different because researchers will use the DNA of participants to help them target treatments. Whole genome sequencing tests can give clues about how a cancer may have developed, how it will behave and what treatment options would work best.”
“More research is needed, but it is hoped that the technology could one day be used within the NHS to improve the treatment and care of people with cancer.”
The first treatment sites for the 5G trial opened in August this year, and more sites are expected to be launched during the coming months. The trial is open to brain cancer patients aged 16 or above, and will offer the chance to have personalised and cutting edge treatment plans.
If you would like more information about brain stem tumours and glioblastoma, please contact Mr. Ciaran Hill of Amethyst Radiotherapy.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
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